U.S. patent number 6,543,496 [Application Number 09/954,473] was granted by the patent office on 2003-04-08 for valve assembly for use with containers in a closed application system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to BASF Aktiengesellschaft. Invention is credited to Keith F. Woodruff.
United States Patent |
6,543,496 |
Woodruff |
April 8, 2003 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Valve assembly for use with containers in a closed application
system
Abstract
A container for use in a closed application includes a valve
mounted to a discharge opening of the container and rotatable with
the container for controlling the discharge of material from the
container. The valve includes an element for engaging corresponding
structure in a receptacle for receiving the contents of the
container. The element engages and locks the valve in the
receptacle when the valve is opened and the contents are being
discharged from the container into the receptacle. The valve
element and the corresponding structure on the receptacle cooperate
so that the container can only be received in and removed from the
receptacle when the valve is closed. In this manner, the contents
in the container can be discharged only when the container is
received within the receptacle and the container is rotated in a
direction to open the valve.
Inventors: |
Woodruff; Keith F.
(Mountainside, NJ) |
Assignee: |
BASF Aktiengesellschaft
(Ludwigshafen, DE)
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Family
ID: |
25153177 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/954,473 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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569806 |
May 12, 2000 |
6305444 |
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312213 |
May 14, 1999 |
6085809 |
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791267 |
Jan 30, 1997 |
5947171 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/346;
141/351 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
47/265 (20130101); B65D 81/3211 (20130101); B65D
23/102 (20130101); B65D 71/502 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
81/32 (20060101); B65D 47/04 (20060101); B65D
47/26 (20060101); B65D 71/50 (20060101); B65D
23/10 (20060101); B65D 047/26 () |
Field of
Search: |
;141/346,351-355,363-366 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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5171 |
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Sep 1995 |
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CR |
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0685155 |
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Dec 1995 |
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EP |
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1037678 |
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Sep 1953 |
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FR |
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Primary Examiner: Jacyna; J. Casimer
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stone; Mark P.
Parent Case Text
This application in a continuation of Ser. No. 09/569,806, filed
May 12, 2000 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,444), which is a continuation
of Ser. No. 09/312,213, filed May 14, 1999 (now U.S. Pat. No.
6,085,809), which is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/791,267, filed
Jan. 30, 1997 (now U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,171).
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A valve assembly comprising a first valve component, a second
valve component mounted to said first valve component, means for
rotating said first valve component relative to said second valve
component for selectively moving said valve assembly between a
closed position and an opened position; a guide element extending
from one of the first and second valve components, said guide
element comprising means for guiding said valve assembly into
retaining means for said valve assembly; and means for removably
mounting said valve assembly to a discharge nozzle of a container
for providing flow of material from said container to said valve
assembly without venting; wherein said first valve component has a
top surface defining at least one opening therein; said second
valve component has a top surface defining at least one opening
therein; said openings in said top surfaces of said first and
second valve components being selectively movable into and out of
alignment as said first and second valve components are rotated
relative to each other for moving said valve assembly between said
closed and opened positions.
2. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein said valve
assembly is removably mountable to said discharge nozzle of said
container such that said container and said first valve component
are conjointly rotatable relative to said second valve
component.
3. The valve assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein said guide is
adapted to be received in said retaining means for retaining said
second valve component fixedly positioned relative to said first
valve component, such that rotation of said first valve component
relative to said second valve component moves said valve assembly
between said closed and opened positions.
4. A container comprising at least a partially hollow housing, said
container defining a discharge nozzle, said discharge nozzle
defining a discharge opening, said discharge nozzle including means
for removably mounting a valve assembly over said discharge
opening; said container consisting of a pair of diagonally opposed
tabs extending from a top surface of the container; wherein each
said tab defines at least one opening therein.
5. The container as claimed in claim 4, wherein said container has
a bottom surface, said bottom surface defining a recessed area
therein adapted to receive a discharge nozzle and valve assembly of
a second container in stacked relationship with said container.
6. A system for transferring product between a container and a
receptacle, said system comprising: a product container having a
discharge opening, and a valve assembly mountable over said
discharge opening; said valve assembly comprising first and second
valve components mounted for selective rotation relative to each
other in first and second predetermined directions for moving said
valve assembly between closed and opened positions; said valve
assembly being mountable to said product container such that said
first valve component is conjointly rotatable with said product
container relative to said second valve component; said valve
assembly including a guide element extending from one of the first
and second valve components; a product receptacle, said product
receptacle defining an inlet opening having a collar fixedly
mounted therein; said collar adapted to receive therein said guide
element extending from said valve assembly mounted to said product
container for fixedly retaining said second valve component in said
collar such that conjoint rotation of said product container and
said first valve component relative to said second valve component
and said collar of said product receptacle moves said valve
assembly between said closed and opened positions; said container,
said receptacle, and said valve assembly being arranged to permit
flow of product from said product container, through said valve
assembly, and into said product receptacle without venting; said
first valve component having a top surface defining at least one
opening therein; said second valve component having a top surface
defining at least one opening therein; said openings in said top
surfaces of said first and second valve components being
selectively movable into and out of alignment as said first and
second valve components are rotated relative to each other for
moving said valve assembly between said closed and opened
positions.
7. A device for dispersing material in a closed application system,
said device comprising: a valve assembly having at least first and
second relatively rotatable valve elements for selectively exposing
and blocking at least one opening defined in at least one of said
valve elements; a container removably mounted to an inlet of said
valve assembly, said container having an outlet adjacent to said
inlet of said valve assembly; a receptacle removably mounted to an
outlet of said valve assembly, said receptacle having an inlet
adjacent to said outlet of said valve assembly; said valve assembly
and said receptacle including cooperating locking means to prevent
removal of said receptacle from said valve assembly when said at
least one opening in said valve assembly is not completely blocked;
said container, said valve assembly, and said receptacle being
arranged to permit flow of material from said container through
said valve assembly and into said receptacle, without venting.
8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said locking means
comprises a collar mounted to said receptacle, and a tab carried by
said valve assembly for engaging said collar to selectively lock
said receptacle to said valve assembly.
9. A method of using said device as claimed in claim 7, the steps
of said method comprising: removably coupling said container to
said valve assembly such that an outlet of said container is
adjacent to an inlet of said valve assembly; removably coupling
said receptacle to said valve assembly such that an inlet of said
receptacle is adjacent to an outlet of said valve assembly;
selectively opening said valve assembly by causing relative
rotation of said first and second valve elements for exposing said
at least one opening to permit flow of product from said container,
through said valve assembly, and into said receptacle without
venting; and locking said receptacle to said valve assembly as said
valve assembly is opened.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein both of said first
and second rotatable valve elements define at least one opening
therein, and said step of opening said valve assembly comprises the
step of rotating said first and second valve elements such that
said openings are moved into at least partial alignment with each
other.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, further including the step
of biasing said valve elements into a closed position of said valve
assembly when said receptacle is removed from said valve
assembly.
12. The method as claimed in claim 10, further including the step
of limiting the relative movement of said valve elements to within
a predetermined range.
13. The method as claimed in claim 9, further including the step of
guiding said valve assembly into said receptacle for maintaining
said receptacle in a predetermined orientation relative to said
valve assembly.
14. A device for dispersing material in a closed application
system, said device comprising: a valve assembly having at least
first and second relatively rotatable valve elements for
selectively exposing and blocking at least one opening defined in
at least one of said valve elements; a container removably mounted
to an inlet of said valve assembly, said container having an outlet
adjacent to said inlet of said valve assembly; a receptacle
removably mounted to an outlet of said valve assembly, said
receptacle having an inlet adjacent to said outlet of said valve
assembly; said valve assembly and said receptacle including
cooperating locking means to prevent removal of said receptacle
from said valve assembly when said at least one opening in said
valve assembly is not completely blocked; wherein said locking
means comprises a collar mounted to said receptacle, and a tab
carried by said valve assembly for engaging said collar to
selectively lock said receptacle to said valve assembly; wherein
said tab is arranged to cooperate with said valve assembly to limit
relative rotation of said valve elements.
15. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said tab is carried
by one of said valve elements and is received in a slot defined in
the other of said valve elements.
16. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein said collar in said
receptacle defines at least one channel therein, and said valve
assembly includes guide means received in said channel when said
receptacle is mounted to said valve assembly.
17. The device as claimed in claim 16, wherein said tab and said
guide means are movable into alignment such that said tab is
received in said guide channel when said receptacle is mounted to
said valve assembly.
18. The device as claimed in claim 17, wherein said container
comprises at least a partially hollow housing having a bottom
surface, said bottom surface defining a recessed portion.
19. The device as claimed in claim 18, wherein said outlet of said
container comprises a discharge nozzle.
20. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein said discharge
nozzle of said container is threaded.
21. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said tab and said
collar are arranged such that said tab is rotatable beneath said
collar to lock said receptacle to said valve assembly.
22. The device as claimed in claimed in claim 14, wherein said tab
and said collar are arranged such that said tab is rotatable into a
hollow channel defined in said collar to lock said receptacle to
said valve assembly.
23. The device as claimed in claimed in claim 14, further including
a resilient element acting on said valve elements to urge said
first and second valve elements into a relative orientation in
which said at least one opening is completely blocked.
24. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein said tab is oriented
relative to said valve assembly such that said valve elements are
relatively rotatable between a zero angular displacement position
in which said at least one opening is completely blocked, and a
predetermined maximum angular displacement position in which said
at least one opening is completely exposed.
25. A method of dispersing product from a container, the steps of
said method comprising: removably coupling a product container to a
valve such that an outlet of said product container is adjacent to
an inlet of said valve; removably coupling a product receptacle to
said valve such that an inlet of said product receptacle is
adjacent to an outlet of said valve; selectively opening said valve
by rotating a first valve element relative to a second valve
element for selectively exposing an opening defined in one of said
valve elements to permit flow of product from said container,
through said valve, and into said product receptacle without
venting; locking said product receptacle to said valve as said
valve is opened; and dispersing product from said product
receptacle.
26. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein both said first and
second valve elements define an opening, and said step of opening
said valve comprises the step of rotating said first valve element
relative to said second valve element such that said openings in
said first and second valve elements are at least in partial
alignment.
27. The method as claimed in claim 26, further including the step
of biasing said valve elements into a closed position of said valve
when said product receptacle is removed from said valve.
28. The method as claimed in claim 26, further including the step
of limiting the relative movement of said valve elements to within
a predetermined range.
29. The method as claimed in claim 25, further including the step
of guiding said valve into said product receptacle for
manufacturing said product receptacle in a predetermined
orientation relative to said valve.
30. A method of loading a product receptacle, the steps of said
method comprising: removably coupling a product container to a
valve such that an outlet of said product container is adjacent to
an inlet of said valve; removably coupling a product receptacle to
said valve such that an inlet of said product receptacle is
adjacent to an outlet of said valve; selectively opening said valve
by rotating a first valve element relative to a second valve
element for selectively exposing an opening defined in one of said
valve elements to permit flow of product from said container,
through said valve, and into said product receptacle without
venting; and locking said product receptacle to said valve as said
valve is opened.
31. The method as claimed in claim 30, wherein both said first and
second valve elements define an opening, and said step of opening
said valve comprises the step of rotating said first valve element
relative to said second valve element such that said openings in
said first and second valve elements are at least in partial
alignment.
32. The method as claimed in claim 31, further including the step
of biasing said valve elements into a closed position of said valve
when said product receptacle is removed from said valve.
33. The method as claimed in claim 31, further including the step
of limiting the relative movement of said valve elements to within
a predetermined range.
34. The method as claimed in claim 30, further including the step
of guiding said valve into said product receptacle for maintaining
said product receptacle in a predetermined orientation relative to
said valve.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an improved container, and in
particular an improved container system for use in connection with
a closed application system such as those used for the handling of
chemical agents, and in particular agricultural treatment agents. A
closed application system avoids direct contact with agricultural
agents by personnel handling the agricultural agents.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,972 issued on Jun. 9, 1992 and entitled
"Container For Supplying Agricultural Treatment Agents In A Closed
Application System" discusses the desirability of a closed
application system for personnel handling agricultural agents to be
dispensed by agricultural equipment. During the course of an
agricultural treatment procedure, it is usually necessary to refill
the dispensing equipment with additional treatment material to
replenish the supply that has been exhausted. Refill of material is
accomplished by pouring material from a container, such as the
container disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,972, into the dispensing
equipment. The dispensing equipment includes apparatus which are
self-powered or driven by an operator, such as the equipment
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,029,624; 5,060,701; 5,379,812;
5,224,527; and 5,125,438. Agricultural material can also be
dispensed from receptacles worn by the agricultural workers, as for
example, treatment material discharged from hoses coupled to
backpacks containing the treatment material which are worn by
agricultural workers.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,484,004; 4,356,848; and 5,105,142 generally
disclose systems for transferring product from one container to
another by gravity feed. U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,770,576; 1,970,451;
1,997,837 and 3,325,844 are exemplary of known systems having
rotatable valve means for selectively rotating components relative
to each other for aligning corresponding openings to permit flow of
material from a container. Published Costa Rican Patent
Specification No. 5171 discloses a known closed application system
for transferring agricultural products by gravity feed from a
storage container, through a rotatably actuated valve assembly in
which valve components have been rotated to align corresponding
openings, and into a pump for dispensing the product transferred
from the container.
It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an
improved system for transferring agricultural treatment agents in a
closed application system including a storage container, a
receptacle for receiving product from the storage container, guide
means for removably coupling the container to the receptacle, and
rotatably actuated valve means for selectively controlling the flow
of product from the container and into the receptacle. The
improvement of the present invention provides means by which a
product container is efficiently guided into a receptacle for
refilling the receptacle, means for permitting the container to be
received in or removed from the receptacle only when a discharge
valve on the container is in a closed position, stop means for
limiting relative rotation of the valve means, and locking means
for preventing uncoupling of the container from the receptacle when
the valve is in an opened position.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
apparent from the following description thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A container for storing material, and in particular liquid or
granular agricultural treatment material, includes a discharge
opening defined at the top thereof. A valve assembly is removably
mounted over the discharge opening, and the valve is normally
biased into a closed position for preventing discharge of material
from the container through the discharge opening. The valve is
selectively movable into an opened position when material is to be
discharged from the container. The top of the container, including
the discharge nozzle and the valve assembly, is adapted to be
removably received within a supporting element mounted proximate to
the top of a receptacle, when the container is placed in an
inverted position. The valve assembly on the container and the
supporting element in the receptacle include complementary guide
means for removably mounting the container within the receptacle.
No material is initially discharged from the inverted container
into the receptacle because the valve over the discharge opening is
in a closed position.
When the valve assembly of the container is received in the
supporting element in the receptacle, the container is rotated
relative to the receptacle to move the valve from a closed position
to an opened position to permit material within the container to
flow into the receptacle by gravity feed. Locking means movable
with the valve engage the supporting element of the receptacle
simultaneously with the rotation of the valve into its opened
position to prevent removal of the container from the receptacle
when the valve is in an opened position. Removal of the container
is accomplished by rotating the container relative to the
supporting element in the receptacle to move the valve into its
closed position which simultaneously disengages the locking means
from the supporting element of the receptacle. The valve is now in
it closed position, and the container can be removed from the
receptacle without discharging any material remaining in the
container. The locking means also cooperates with the valve
assembly to provide stop means for limiting the maximum relative
rotation of the valve in first and second opposed directions as the
valve is moved between closed and opened positions.
The container and the valve assembly mounted thereto cooperate with
the receptacle and the supporting element mounted therein to permit
refill of the receptacle with material from the inverted container
without discharging material from the container before it is
received in the receptacle or after it is removed from the
receptacle. The valve assembly, which is removably mounted over the
discharge outlet of the container, remains in a closed position at
all times other than when the container is received within the
receptacle for refilling the receptacle. Accordingly, the container
with the valve mounted thereon can be safely handled and stored by
agricultural workers before and after refilling procedures.
In a further aspect of the invention, the container includes at
least one tab extending from the outer container surface, and the
tab has an opening defined therein. The opening is adapted to
receive a hook or other supporting element so that the container
can be transported from one location to another by a cable or
conveyor type transport system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the
present invention in an upright position;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container illustrated by FIG. 1
in an inverted position;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a valve assembly removably
mountable over a discharge opening in the container illustrated by
FIG. 1, the valve assembly being shown in a closed position;
FIG. 4 illustrates the valve assembly shown in FIG. 3, the valve
assembly being shown in a fully opened position;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a valve housing of the valve
assembly illustrated by FIGS. 3 and 4;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a valve cap mountable over the
valve housing illustrated by FIG. 5;
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a tab element mountable to the
valve housing illustrated by FIG. 5, and FIG. 7B is a side
elevational view of the tab illustrated by FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a modified valve assembly in its
closed position, and FIG. 8B illustrates this modified valve
assembly in its opened position;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the
relationship between a container with a valve assembly mounted
thereto in accordance with the present invention, and a receptacle
having an inlet collar for receiving the contents of the
container;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the collar
mounted to the inlet of the receptacle illustrated by FIG. 9;
and
FIG. 11A is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a collar
mounted to the inlet of the receptacle illustrated by FIG. 9, FIG.
11B is a section taken along directional arrows 11B--11B, and FIG.
11C is a section taken along directional arrows 11C--11C.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The improved container system of the present invention will now be
discussed with respect to FIGS. 1-11 of the drawings.
FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a container in accordance with the present
invention generally designated by reference numeral 2. The
container includes a nozzle 4 located at the top end of the
container, and the nozzle includes external threading designated by
reference numeral 6. A discharge outlet designated by reference
numeral 8 is defined by the nozzle 4. The container also includes
recessed portions defining handle grips 10 on the outer surface
thereof, tabs 12 defining openings 14 therein, and a panel section
16 for displaying printed information on the container, as for
example, the identification of the container contents and/or
warning notices.
FIG. 2 illustrates the bottom surface 19 of the container 2
illustrated by FIG. 1. A centrally disposed, recessed area 18 is
defined in the bottom surface of the container. The recessed area
18 is provided for receiving the nozzle 4 of a similar container
stacked beneath container 2. The recess 18 is configured to receive
a valve assembly (to be discussed below) removably mounted to the
nozzle of the lower stacked container. The recess 18 is also
configured so that the weight and mechanical stress applied by the
upper container to a lower stacked container is displaced from the
valve assembly mounted to the nozzle of the lower container.
FIG. 3 illustrates a valve assembly in accordance with the present
invention in a closed position. FIG. 4 illustrates the valve
assembly of FIG. 3 in an opened position. The valve assembly
includes a valve housing generally designated by reference numeral
22 and a valve cap generally designated by reference numeral 20
mounted to the valve housing. The valve housing and the valve cap
are mounted to be rotatably movable relative to each other.
Appropriate seal means, as for example, an O-ring (not shown), is
provided to seal the areas at which the valve cap engages the valve
housing. Internal threads (not shown) are defined on the inner
surface of the lower, wider flange portion 23 of the valve housing
22. In this manner, the valve housing is threadable on the external
threads 6 around the nozzle 4 of the container 2 (see FIG. 1) to
removably mount and dismount the valve assembly over the discharge
outlet 8 of the container 2. The top surface of the valve assembly
is preferably sloped downwardly in an outward direction to permit
materials, including liquids (for example--rainwater) which
accumulates on the top surface thereof, to run off.
The valve housing 22 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown
separated from the valve cap 20 in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 illustrates the
valve cap 20 separated from the valve housing 22. The valve housing
includes an upper hub portion 21 and a lower, wider diameter flange
portion 23 (As noted above, the wider flange portion 23 defines
internal threading for removably mounting the valve housing to the
nozzle portion of the container 2). The narrower diameter, hub
portion 21 of the valve housing 22 defines a central opening 24 for
receiving therein a resilient element, as for example a clock
spring. The outer surface 26 of the hub 21 defines two vertical
grooves 28, each of which define two mounting openings 30. At least
one tab 32 having a central opening 34 extends outwardly from the
outer surface 36 of the wider diameter flange portion 23 of the
valve housing 22. As most clearly illustrated by FIG. 5, the top
surface 38 of the hub 21 of the valve housing defines two openings
40 therein.
FIG. 7 illustrates an L-shaped element generally designated by
reference numeral 42. Element 42 includes a vertical portion 44 and
a horizontal portion 46 integrally extending from the top of the
vertical portion and oriented substantially perpendicular thereto.
The vertical portion 44 defines two mounting openings 48 therein.
The vertical portion 44 of element 42 is received within the
vertical groove 28 in the outer surface 26 of the hub portion 21 of
the valve housing 22 (see FIG. 5). The openings 30 in the vertical
groove 28 are aligned with the openings 48 in the vertical portion
44 of element 42 so that the element 42 is mountable in the groove
28 by passing screws or rivets through the aligned openings 30 and
48, respectively. As will be discussed below, element 42 is mounted
to the hub so that the horizontally extending portion 46 is
oriented to face outwardly from the hub 21.
FIG. 6 illustrates the valve cap 20 as shown in FIGS. 3-4, removed
from the valve housing 22. The valve cap includes two diametrically
opposed ribs 50 extending outwardly from the outer surface 52 of
the valve cap 20. The upper surface 54 of the valve cap 20 includes
two openings 56 which are formed in the same size and shape as the
openings 40 defined in the top surface of the valve housing 22 (see
FIG. 5). The upper portion of the sidewall 52 of the valve cap 20
defines two circumferential grooves or slots 58 proximate to the
outer peripheral portions of the openings 56. One end of each of
the slots 58 is defined above the top surface 51 of a different one
of the ribs 50 on the valve cap. The center portion 60 of the top
surface 54 is oriented such that it covers the central opening 24
defined in the top surface 38 of the valve housing 22 (see FIG. 5),
when the valve cap 20 is rotatably mounted to the valve housing 22,
as will be discussed herein.
Referring back to FIG. 3, this drawing illustrates the valve cap 20
(FIG. 6) mounted to the valve housing 22 (FIG. 5), showing the
overall valve assembly in a closed position in which the respective
openings 40 and 56 on the top surfaces of the valve housing and
valve cap are completely offset and out of alignment such that the
top surface of the overall valve assembly is closed. The valve cap
20 is mounted over the hub portion 21 of the valve housing 22 such
that the valve housing and the valve and the valve cap are
rotatable to each other. As further illustrated by FIG. 3, element
42 (See FIG. 7) is mounted in the groove 28 of the hub portion 21
of the valve housing, and the horizontally extending tab portion 46
of the element 42 is oriented above the top surface 51 of the rib
50 extending from the sidewall 52 of the valve cap 20. The tab 48
is movable along the circumferential slot 58 defined between the
top surface 38 of the hub 21 of the valve housing and the top
surface 54 of the valve cap.
Referring again to FIG. 4, this drawing illustrates the valve
assembly of FIG. 3 in its opened position. The valve housing 22 is
rotated relative to the valve cap 20 so that the openings 40 and 56
in the top surfaces of the valve housing and valve cap,
respectively, are aligned (or partially aligned) with each other to
define the two openings in the top surface of the overall valve
assembly illustrated by FIG. 4. Rotation of the valve housing
relative to the valve cap causes the tab 46, fixedly mounted to the
valve housing and rotatable therewith, to be moved along the
circumferential groove or slot 58 of the overall valve assembly.
The remote end of the slot (i.e., the end oriented away from the
rib 50) acts as a stop to limit the maximum rotation of the valve
assembly relative to the valve cap to the position shown by FIG. 4
in which the respective openings 40 and 56 are in complete
alignment with each other and thus the valve assembly is in its
maximum opened position.
In the embodiment of the invention illustrated by FIGS. 3 and 4,
the valve assembly includes two tabs 46 equidistantly spaced along
the circumference of the valve housing, and two slots 58 of equal
length for receiving the two tabs 46. The tabs and slots are
operatively arranged and oriented so that relative movement of each
tab from a first end of each slot to a second end of each slot
moves the valve from a fully closed position to a fully opened
position, and relative movement of each tab from the second end of
each slot back to the first end of each slot returns the valve to a
fully closed position. The valve housing can also be rotated
relative to the valve cap into intermediate positions in which the
openings 40 and 56 are in partial, but not complete, alignment with
each other. In this manner, the size of the openings defined in the
top surface of the overall valve assembly illustrated by FIGS. 3
and 4 is selectively variable to control the rate of flow of
material from the container 2 (see FIG. 1) when the valve assembly
is mounted over the discharge outlet 8 of the container 2 and the
container is inverted, as will be discussed below. Accordingly,
rotational movement of the valve housing relative to the valve cap
selectively controls the operation of the valve between a fully
closed position as illustrated by FIG. 3, a fully opened position
as illustrated by FIG. 4, and partially opened positions which are
intermediate to those illustrated by FIGS. 3 and 4. As noted above,
the tab 46 received in the circumferential slot 58 defined between
the valve housing and the valve cap acts as a stop to limit the
maximum relative movement between the valve housing and the valve
cap towards the closed valve position illustrated by FIG. 3 when
moved in a first direction, and to limit the maximum relative
movement of the valve housing and valve cap towards the fully
opened position as illustrated by FIG. 4 when moved in a second
direction opposite the first direction.
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a slightly modified embodiment of the
valve assembly. Corresponding elements are designated by the same
reference used in FIGS. 1-7. FIG. 8A illustrates the valve assembly
in a closed position. Six "tear-drop" shaped openings 56 are
defined in the top surface 54 of the valve cap 20, and six
identically shaped openings 40 are defined in the top surface 38 of
the valve housing 22. The valve housing carries three tabs 46
extending in an outward direction, and the valve cap carries 3
equidistantly spaced ribs 50 on its outer surface. As illustrated
by FIG. 8A, the valve housing is oriented relative to the valve cap
such that the openings 40 and 56 are completely out of alignment to
result in a closed upper surface of the overall valve assembly. The
valve is therefore in its closed position. FIG. 8B illustrates the
valve assembly of FIG. 8A in a fully opened position. The valve
housing is rotated relative to the valve cap so that the openings
40 and 56 are in complete alignment with each other to define six
openings in the top surface of the overall valve assembly.
Operation of the valve assembly illustrated by FIGS. 8A and 8B is
the same as that previously discussed with respect to FIGS.
1-7.
Still referring to the valve assembly illustrated by FIGS. 8A and
8B, as a result of the equidistant orientation of the corresponding
six openings 40 and 56, the valve assembly is movable from its
closed position (FIG. 8A) into its opened position (FIG. 8B) by
rotation of the valve housing 22 relative to the valve cap 20 by
only 30 degrees, and not 90 degrees as required by the previously
discussed embodiment of the invention. The top surface of the valve
assembly, as a result of the six openings defined therein, has a
higher proportion of openings relative to overall surface area (as
compared to the prior embodiment discussed herein), thereby tending
to prevent accumulation of product residue on the closed portions
of the top surface of the valve assembly after product has been
discharged from the container to which the valve assembly is
coupled. The three tabs 46 are received in three separate slots of
equal length defined in the outer surface of the valve cap
proximate to the top thereof, assuring that the stop means provided
by the tabs and slots will more accurately and precisely limit
relative rotation of the valve components, thereby more exactly
aligning the six corresponding openings 40 and 56 in the maximum
opened valve position, and more exactly offsetting the
corresponding six openings in the maximum closed valve position.
The provision of three separate tabs 46 equidistantly spaced along
the circumference of the top surface of the valve housing, tends to
more securely retain the valve cap mounted over the valve housing
as a result of the three separate areas of engagement.
Additionally, as will be discussed below with respect to FIGS.
9-11, the three equidistantly spaced tabs carried by the rotatable
valve housing lock the valve assembly to a retaining collar of a
receptacle at three separate engagement positions to securely
retain the valve assembly and prevent removal thereof from the
retaining collar when the valve is rotated into an opened position.
In the embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 8A and 8B, the slots 58 are
defined completely in the outer surface of the upper portion of the
valve cap. This is a modification from the embodiments discussed
with respect to FIGS. 1-7 in which the slots are formed between a
cut-out portion of the top of the valve cap and the periphery of
the top surface of the valve housing.
Referring now to FIG. 9, the container 2 is illustrated with the
valve assembly generally designated by reference numeral 62 mounted
to the container nozzle over the container discharge outlet (see
FIG. 1). As discussed, the valve assembly 62 comprises the valve
housing 22 and the valve cap 20 rotatably mounted thereon. A
receptacle 64 includes an upper neck portion 66 defining an inlet
opening 68. A collar 70 is fixedly mounted within the neck portion
of the receptacle, as for example by riveting the collar to the
neck as illustrated by reference numeral 72. The collar 70 has an
opened central region defining the inlet opening 68 of the
receptacle. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the
collar also defines one or more vertical grooves 74 which
complement the ribs 50 defined on the valve housing (See FIG. 6) of
the valve assembly 62. In this manner, the container 2 can be
inverted, and the valve assembly 62 is guided into and removably
receivable within the collar 70 of the upright receptacle 64 by
aligning the ribs 50 of the valve assembly 62 with the
corresponding vertical grooves 74 defined in the inner surface of
the collar 70.
FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the collar 70, generally shown
in FIG. 9. The collar 70 defines two vertical grooves 74 which are
diametrically opposed to each other. An upper flange 76 is
connected to a lower flange 78 by a sidewall 80. Two opposed
vertical members 82 extend between the upper and lower flanges 76
and 78. The vertical members 82 are diametrically opposed to each
other and are interspersed between the vertical grooves 74. Each of
the vertical members 82 defines openings 84 for mounting the collar
70 to the neck of the receptacle 64 as illustrated in FIG. 9.
Operation of the container system described with respect to FIGS.
1-11 will now be discussed as follows. A clock spring or other
resilient element is placed within the central opening 24 defined
in the upper surface 38 of the hub section 21 of the valve housing
22 (FIG. 5). The valve cap 20 (FIG. 6) is rotatably mounted over
the hub section 21 of the valve housing so that the center section
60 of the top surface 54 of the valve cap 20 closes the central
opening 24 in the hub of the valve housing. The resilient element
biases the valve assembly into the closed position illustrated by
FIG. 3 in which the openings 40 and 56 defined, respectively, in
the top surfaces of the valve housing and valve cap are offset and
completely out of alignment and the top surface of the overall
valve assembly is closed. Element 42 (FIG. 7) is thereafter mounted
in each of the vertical grooves 28 on the sidewall of the hub 21 of
the valve housing such that the horizontal tab portion 46 is
oriented to extend in an outward direction, and is received in the
circumferential slot or groove 58 defined between the top surfaces
of the valve cap 20 and the valve housing 22. The valve cap is
mounted to the hub of the valve housing so that selective relative
rotation between the valve housing and the valve cap is possible.
The horizontal tab 46 cooperates with the ends of the
circumferential groove 58 to limit rotation of the valve housing
relative to the valve cap between the fully closed valve position
illustrated by FIG. 3 in one direction, and the fully opened valve
position illustrated by FIG. 4 in the opposite direction. Means, as
for example, an O-ring, can be provided to seal the interface
regions between the valve cap and the valve housing.
After the valve cap has been mounted to the valve housing such that
valve housing is rotatable relative to the valve cap, the completed
valve assembly, preferably in the closed valve position illustrated
by FIG. 3, is fixedly mounted to the nozzle 4 of the container 2
over the discharge outlet 8 (See FIG. 1). The valve assembly is
removably mounted to the container 2 by rotating the valve assembly
relative to the nozzle 4 so that the threads 6 on the nozzle engage
the complementary threading internally defined in the inner surface
of the wider flange portion 36 of the valve housing 22 (See FIG.
5). The valve assembly is rotatable relative to the container by
gripping the tabs 32 extending from the valve housing (See FIG. 5)
and turning it relative to the nozzle of the container while
holding the container in a fixed position. When the valve assembly
is initially mounted to the nozzle of the container in the closed
valve position illustrated by FIG. 3, each horizontal tab portion
46 of each element 42 is oriented directly above and in alignment
with the top surface of one of the vertical ribs 50 extending
outwardly from the outer surface 52 of the valve cap 20.
When the valve assembly is mounted to the nozzle of the container,
the container and the valve housing 22 are conjointly
simultaneously movable relative to the valve cap 20. This occurs
because the valve housing is fixedly (and removably) mounted to the
container by threading (or other suitable means), and the valve cap
is mounted to the valve housing so that the valve housing (and thus
the container on which the valve housing is fixedly mounted) is
rotatably movable relative to the valve cap.
The container 2 includes liquid or granular products therein to be
supplied to a receptacle 64 (See FIG. 9). The receptacle comprises
storage means for equipment adapted to disperse the products
supplied from the container, as for example, a backpack with a
discharge hose worn by an agricultural worker. The container 2,
with the valve assembly mounted to the nozzle 4 biased in the
closed position as illustrated by FIG. 3, is inverted so that the
discharge nozzle faces downwardly. Since the valve is in a closed
position, no material is discharged through the discharge outlet 8
of the container. The valve assembly is inserted into the inlet
opening in the neck portion 66 of the receptacle 64, as
schematically illustrated by FIG. 9. The ribs 50 on the valve cap
and the horizontal tabs 46 which are oriented in alignment with the
top of the ribs 50 when the valve is in its closed position, are
received in the complementary configured vertical groove 74 defined
in the inner surface of the collar 70 of the receptacle 64. The
valve assembly is inserted into the collar until the wider flange
portion 23 of the valve housing abuts against the upper surface of
the collar 70, as for example, against the top flange 76 of the
collar as illustrated by FIG. 10. The valve assembly and collar are
arranged such that when the valve assembly is fully received in the
collar, the horizontal tab 46 extends through the vertical groove
74 and below the bottom of the collar, as for example, below the
bottom of lower flange portion 78 as illustrated by FIG. 10. The
ribs 50 extending outwardly from the valve cap 20 are retained
within the vertical grooves 74 of the collar 70. The valve assembly
remains in its closed position, as illustrated by FIG. 3. When the
embodiment of the valve assembly illustrated by FIGS. 8A and 8B is
employed, the collar 70 illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10 is modified
to define three equidistantly spaced vertical grooves 74
corresponding to and complementing the three equidistantly spaced
ribs 50 receivable in the grooves 74. Also see FIG. 11A-11C (to be
discussed below) illustrating a modified embodiment of the collar
70 defining three vertical grooves.
The container is now rotated relative to the collar in a first
direction causing the valve assembly to open. The rotation of the
container causes conjoint rotation of the valve housing in the same
direction as the container because the valve housing is threaded to
the nozzle of the container. Since the horizontal tab 46 fixedly
mounted to the valve housing extends through the vertical groove 74
and beneath the lower surface of the collar when the valve assembly
is fully received in the collar, the tab 46 is oriented below the
bottom of the vertical groove 74 in the collar and thus is not
retained in the groove. Accordingly, the vertical groove 74 does
not restrict rotation of the tab 46, which is movable beneath the
collar (e.g., beneath the lower flange 78) as the container (and
the conjointly movable valve housing and tab 46 carried by the
valve housing) is rotated relative to the collar. However, the
valve cap 20 remains fixedly positioned relative to the stationary
collar and does not rotate with the container and valve housing
because the vertical ribs 50 extending from the outer surface of
the valve cap are fixedly retained within the complementary
vertical grooves 74 of the stationary collar 70 as the container
and valve housing are conjointly rotated relative to the collar.
Accordingly, the valve cap remains fixedly retained within the
collar 70, which itself is fixedly mounted to the neck of the
receptacle 64, as the container and valve housing are rotated
relative to the stationary collar and the valve cap fixedly
retained therein.
Conjoint rotation of the container and valve housing in a first
predetermined direction relative to the fixedly positioned valve
cap causes the valve to open. This occurs because the openings 40
and 56 in the top surfaces of the valve housing and valve cap,
respectively, are moved from the closed valve position of FIG. 3 in
which the openings are completely out of alignment with each other
and the top surface of the valve assembly is closed, into a
position in which the openings on the top surfaces are in alignment
(as illustrated by FIG. 4) or partial alignment thereby providing
openings in the top surface of the overall valve assembly. The tabs
46 and the ends of the circumferential grooves 58 of the valve
assembly cooperate to provide stop means for limiting maximum
rotation of the valve housing relative to the valve cap in both
first and second opposed directions for opening and closing the
valve assembly. Preferably, the valve assembly is designed such
that relative movement of the valve housing to the valve cap by
90.degree. in a first predetermined direction causes the valve to
fully open, and relative rotation of the valve housing relative to
the valve cap by 90.degree. in the opposed direction causes the
valve to completely close. Rotation of the valve housing relative
to the valve cap an intermediate angular distance of less than
90.degree. results in partial opening of the valve as a result of
partial alignment of the corresponding openings in the top surfaces
of the valve housing and the valve cap, respectively.
When the valve assembly is received in the collar of the receptacle
and rotated in a direction to cause the valve to open, the contents
within the inverted container flow into the lower receptacle
through the opened, or partially opened, valve by gravity feed.
When the valve assembly is received in the collar of the receptacle
and rotated any angular distance relative to the fixed collar (and
to the valve cap fixedly retained in the collar), the tab 46
carried by the rotatable valve housing is simultaneously rotated
out of alignment with the vertical groove 74 in the collar and
beneath the lower surface of the collar (e.g., beneath the bottom
surface of the lower flange 78). Accordingly, the valve assembly is
locked in the collar and cannot be removed from the collar even if
an attempt is made to retract the container from the receptacle. As
a result of the engagement between the tab 46 and the lower surface
of the collar 70 when the valve is rotated into either a partial or
fully opened position, the container can be removed from the
receptacle only when the valve is in a fully closed position.
To remove the container from the receptacle, the container is
rotated a maximum relative distance in the opposite direction
relative to the collar and the valve cap fixedly retained in the
collar. This relative rotation moves the tab 46, which is rotatable
with the valve housing and container, into alignment with the
vertical groove 74 in the collar and the rib 50 of the valve cap
retained in the vertical groove. As a result of the alignment of
the tab 46 with the vertical groove 74, the valve assembly can be
removed from the collar by retracting the container. Since the
valve assembly can be removed from the collar only when the tab 46
is completely aligned with the groove 74 and the rib 50 of the
valve cap retained in the groove, and since the valve assembly is
arranged such that this alignment only occurs when the valve is in
a fully closed position, the valve assembly can only be removed
from the collar when the valve is in a fully closed position.
Likewise, the valve assembly can only be inserted into the collar
when the valve is in the same fully closed position. Therefore, the
overall system is designed such that the valve is fully or
partially opened only when the container is fully received and
seated in operational relationship within the receptacle. Moreover,
until the valve is completely seated in the collar 70 such that the
top surface of the wider flange portion of the valve housing abuts
against the top surface of the collar, it is not possible to open
the valve because the tab 46 carried by the valve housing remains
in the groove 74 of the collar and prevents the rotation of the
valve housing (and the attached container) relative to the fixed
collar (and to the valve cap fixedly retained in the collar) which
is required to open the valve. This occurs as a result of the
arrangement of the valve housing and the collar by which the
dimensions of these components are selected so that the tab 46
carried by the valve housing extends through the vertical groove in
the collar and beneath the lower surface of the collar only when
the valve housing is fully seated in a predetermined operational
position relative to the top surface of the collar.
FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C illustrate a second embodiment of the collar
70, modified from that shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The same reference
numerals are used in FIG. 11 to designate corresponding elements
illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. The collar 70 illustrated by FIG. 11
includes three equidistantly spaced vertical grooves 74. The lower
portion of each vertical groove merges with a horizontally
extending arcuate channel segment 86 extending around a portion of
the collar 70 proximate to the periphery thereof. The three
vertical channels 74 are adapted to receive three corresponding,
complementary ribs of a valve assembly, such as ribs 50 of the
valve assembly illustrated by FIGS. 8a and 8B. The valve assembly
and collar are arranged such that when the flange portion of the
valve housing is flush against the top surface 88 of the collar and
each of the ribs 50 is received in a different corresponding
vertical groove 74, each of the rotatable tabs carried by the valve
housing 22, which are aligned with the ribs 50 in the closed
position of the valve when the valve assembly is received in the
collar 70, is co-planar with a horizontal channel 86 extending from
a vertical groove 74. Moreover, the collar and the valve assembly
are arranged to cooperate with each other such that when the valve
assembly is received in its operating position within the collar as
described herein, the three circumferential slots 58 defined in the
top surface of the valve cap 20, are in registration with the three
horizontal channels 86 defined in the collar 70. Preferably, the
horizontal slots 58 and the channels 86 are each of the same
length.
When the valve assembly is received in its operating position
within the collar 70, the valve is in a closed position in which
each horizontal tab 46 is in alignment with a corresponding rib 50
(See FIG. 8A). As discussed herein, each rib 50 is fixedly retained
in a vertical channel 74 of the collar so that the valve housing 22
is selectively rotatable relative to the valve cap 20 in a
predetermined direction to open the valve assembly. Each tab 46
rotatable with the valve housing is co-planar with a different one
of the horizontal channels 86 extending from each vertical groove
74 of the collar 70. When the valve housing and the three tabs
carried thereof are rotatable in the predetermined direction to
open the valve, the tabs 46 are received within the horizontal
channels 86. Accordingly, the valve assembly is securely locked
internally within the collar 70 when the valve is in any position
other than fully closed. The valve assembly can only be retracted
and removed from the collar when the tabs 46 are rotated in an
opposite direction out of the horizontal channels 86 and into
alignment with the vertical grooves 74, which corresponds to the
fully closed position of the valve.
Still referring to FIG. 11, reference numeral 88 represents the top
surface of the collar 70, reference numeral 90 represents the
bottom surface of the collar 70, and reference numeral 92
represents a vertical sidewall of the collar 70 extending between
the upper and lower surfaces 88 and 90, respectively. Unlike the
embodiment of the collar 70 illustrated by FIG. 10, the collar of
FIG. 11 does not require that the vertical grooves 74 extend
completely through the upper and lower collar surfaces, and does
not require the upper and lower collar surfaces to be formed as
flanges. Moreover, the collar of FIG. 11 locks the valve assembly
internally within the collar and does not require the rotatable tab
46 of the valve housing to extend below and engage the lower
surface of the collar when the valve is rotated out of its closed
position.
The container 2 in accordance with the present invention is
preferably formed from a rotational molding process. The materials
from which the container is formed preferably include lightweight
and durable plastics, such as polystyrene.
In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the container 2
includes at least one tab 12 extending from the outer surface
thereof, the tab defining a central opening 14 therein. The opening
in the tab is adapted to receive a hook or other supporting element
for suspending and/or transporting the container from one location
to another by a cable or pulley type transportation system.
Similarly, in the preferred embodiments of the invention, the valve
housing 22 includes at least one tab 32 extending outwardly
therefrom, said tab defining an opening 34 therein. This tab may be
used to transport the valve housing, when the valve assembly is
removed from the container, from one location to another, in the
same manner as discussed above with respect to the container.
Additionally, the tab 32 on the valve housing provides gripping
means for rotating the valve housing relative to the nozzle of the
container to mount and dismount the valve assembly onto and off of
the container.
It is noted that in the preferred embodiments of the invention
discussed herein, the tab 46 performs four separate functions. The
tab retains the valve cap 20 mounted to the valve housing 22 of the
overall valve assembly. The tab 46 also provides stop means for
limiting the maximum angular rotational displacement of the valve
housing relative to the valve cap to open and close the valve
assembly. The tab 46 provides locking means permitting the valve
assembly to be received in and removed from the collar in the
receptacle only when the valve is in a closed position. The tab 46
also cooperates with the collar in the receptacle to prevent
rotation of the valve into an opened position until the valve
assembly is fully seated in a predetermined operating position in
the collar in the receptacle.
The description of the preferred embodiments of the invention
discussed herein are intended to be illustrative only, and not
restrictive of the scope of the invention. Further modifications,
which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the
scope of the invention. For example, the collar in the receptacle
can be formed in different configurations than that shown in the
drawing, and the number, shape and size of the openings in the
valve housing and valve cap, and the number of circumferential
slots defined between the valve housing and valve cap, can differ
from that illustrated in the drawings and discussed herein.
Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the
following claims and all equivalents thereto.
* * * * *